Notwithstanding the demand of the political parties the government has refused to invite international observers for the municipal polls, which the Election Commission (EC) is announcing shortly.

During a meeting with EC officials, senior cabinet ministers including vice chairman Dr Tulsi Giri said that there was no need of inviting external observers for the polls saying it is purely a local issue.

The government however expressed its commitment to fully support the Election Commission in holding the forthcoming elections in a free and fair manner.

The meeting was attended by vice-chairmen of the Council of Ministers, the Information and Communications, Home, Foreign Affairs, General Administration, Finance, Local Development and Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Ministers and the office-bearers of the Commission.

According to reports the meeting focused on matters of security, election code of conduct, civil servants and budget. It is learnt that the date for polls to the municipalities will be announced between Dashain and Tihar.

Talking to journalists following the meeting, Minister for Information and Communications Tanka Dhakal said the government would provide the Commission every support it asked for.

He also said the elections would be held in the time period deemed suitable by the Commission. Political parties will be summoned only after the date of elections is announced, he said.

Earlier, the alliance of the agitating seven political parties has announced to boycott any election announced by the incumbent government.

Meanwhile speaking at an interaction in the capital Friday, leaders of major political parties have said that elections of the constituent assembly should be held under the involvement of the United Nations to resolve the problems dogging the country.